There was one change to the starting XI for the Black Sheep, with captain Liam Ormson replacing Michael Clare.
Against the league newcomers, Ponty got off to a positive start as Tom Frowen supplied Lewis Roberts for the opener in the 4th minute.
Both sides showed positive intent in an open first half, but the visitors started to exert control by getting the ball down on a decent playing surface. Several half chances came and went before Geraint Lewis combined with Evans down the left and supplied Roberts with an outrageous outside of the boot pass. The home defence were left to eat the striker’s shorts as he doubled his tally with a lovely, clipped finish.
After a home defender handled the ball (Doh!) inside the box the ref pointed to the spot proving he wasn’t a homer. Roberts converted from 12 yards to complete a first half hat-trick and give Ponty full control. Coach Radnor was seen rubbing his hands together and overheard saying it was ‘Excellent’.
There was hope for Springfield just before half time when they were awarded a penalty of their own, converted by Phillips. Ay Caramba could the comeback be on?
Half time: Springfield 1-3 Pontypridd AFC as the lads hydrated with the Kwik-E-Mart’s finest H2O.
The second half started with lots of scrappy and untidy play, but as it settled down the visitors, sensing the need to kill off the threat of a comeback and avoid looking like a bunch of Krusty the Klowns, once again took control.
The Black Sheep put together some fantastic play to create plenty of chances. Aled Evans was unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet as he frequently found good positions but couldn’t quite supply McBain’s killer touch.
Once again, there was a nuclear impact from players coming off the bench. The pace and relentless pressure from Huw Morgan, Michael Clare and Joe Hathaway ensured there was no let up and all three played a part in wrapping up this club record away win.
Morgan’s powerful close range finish was the reward for Ponty’s second half pressure, before Michael Clare finished a superb training ground set piece corner; converting Evans’ near post flick.
Clare’s fearsome strike from the edge of the box in the 90th minute, following good skill by Hathaway, brought up the Ponty half dozen and secured three points more satisfying than a round of Flamin’ Moes.
Full time: Springfield United 1-6 Pontypridd AFC
A result that ensures Ponty’s best ever start to a Premier Division campaign with 7 points from 5 games.
MOTM – Nathan Eratne who was excellent all game. Winning the ball back and driving up the pitch, and putting some dangerous balls in.
Special Mentions – Lewis Roberts on an excellent hat trick.
Tom Frowen who covered every blade of grass and didn’t drop running all game.
Charlie Hobby – 50th senior appearance for the club. A top young player who has gone up levels again this year.
Head Coach John Radnor Comments – Overall an excellent performance against a Springfield side that looked to play and could have caused us problems. An early goal helps, and credit to the lads they kept intensity throughout and we could have scored a few more. Midfield were excellent and getting the ball down and playing some excellent stuff, and good to see forwards scoring goals. Lads off the bench were top class again, who give us extra impetus in the final 30 mins. I cannot wait to release the hounds next Saturday against Gelligaer.